The 30 absolute best fantasy books about magic

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Recently updated on July 9th, 2024 at 02:55 pm

Looking for fantasy books about magic? These 30 fantasy books will completely bewitch you

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

Sometimes we need a little magic. Fantasy books about magic are enchanting.

 A great fantasy magic book transports you to another world. Especially when they combine magic with fantastical worldbuilding and a gripping plot.

Whether you’re looking for an urban fantasy or a ya fantasy book here are the best fantasy books about magic.

This post is all about fantasy books about magic

What are some fantasy books about magic?

1. Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Found family, sassy banter and a heist. The unique magic system plays a big role in the book.

Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is offered a deadly heist for a huge payout.

But it’s an impossible heist. And Kaz will need all the help he can get to pull it off. So he assembles five other teens to help him.

Six of Crows is like a fantasy version of Oceans Eleven. Magic loved reading about the unique magic system.

Highly recommend if you’re after fantasy books about magic.

2. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

A lighthearted YA Fantasy book about witches set in Urban Salem.  Magic plays a key role throughout the book. But it reads more like a YA Contemporary.

We follow Hannah, a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end-of-school bonfire.

And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica. She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This is one of my favourite duologies! The magical, fantastical elements blend perfectly with modern Salem.

3.Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Girls of Paper and Fire contains unique magic, mythology and enchanting Malaysian-inspired world-building.

Lei is a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.  She sees the royal guards take her mother. They then return to take Lei.

She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love.

Girls of Paper and Fire is an excellent fantasy book. The plot is quite dark and deals with topics such as rape and misogyny.  An excellent choice if you’re after fantasy books about magic.

4. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

An enchanting cottagecore-esque fantasy with plant magic.

We follow Briseis. She has a magic gift where she can magic tiny seeds into rich blooms with a single touch. 

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. And it’s there she must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

The plant magic is well-developed and woven seamlessly into the plot. The magic system is woven into Briseis’ love for plants. And the plant references give it a cottagecore vibe.

5. Malice by Heather Walter

A compelling Sleeping Beauty retelling with fae and magic.

Malice is set in a Kingdom called Briar. Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

We follow Alyce – the dark grace. She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar. Except for Princess Aurora.

The magic is well-developed. The history behind the fae, dark kingdom and magic is intriguing. This book is almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae

6. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Fan of Crescent City? This urban fantasy has a similar vibe. Set in a modern city with fae, mystery and a fast-pace.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

Fae are included so there are references to magic throughout. I loved how the magic system in this book was unique compared to other books with fae that I’ve read.

Searching for fantasy books about magic? Highly recommend picking this up.

7. Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Magic, dragons and a curse. The exquisite world-building in this book sets it apart from other fantasy books.

We follow Shiori. She is the only princess in Kiata. Shiori lives in a land where magic is banned. And demons are locked away inside a mountain. But forbidden magic runs through her veins.

Shiori normally conceals it. But on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, she loses control. And she attracts the attention of her stepmother Raikama.

The curse paired with the enchanting worldbuilding gives this a magical vibe.

8. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

A brilliant King Arthur retelling with a strong heroine, morally grey characters and a mystery.

We follow Bree Mathews. After the death of her mother, she wants to avoid family memories. So, she joins a residential program for gifted high school students.

But then she witnesses a magical attack on her first night. A flying demon feeding on human energy. A Mage tries to wipe her memory. But he fails. And instead Bree unlocks new memories of her mother’s death.

Tracy Deonn also included commentary on racism and slavery. They were woven perfectly into the storyline.

9. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

The Grimrose Girls is a magical take on classic fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. But with a darkly magical twist.

The heroines of the stories are re-imagined as friends attending an elite boarding school. After their friend dies, the police rule the death as suicide. But they decide to investigate to find out what really happened.

Grimrose Girls is a unique concept and fantasy retelling. The mystery was gripping. And the story kept mentioning tantalizing details that keep you engaged.

10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic with an enchanting fantasy world and compelling magic.

We follow four children evacuated to a country house. They find a magical kingdom called Narnia at the back of a wardrobe.

But Narnia has been enchanted by a White Witch. And it is frozen in an eternal winter.

A nostalgic read, while this is a series you can read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as a standalone. With a magical concept, and cozy imagery this is a comforting, easy read.

11. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

A light-hearted romance about a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The magic bookshop is adorable.

Nova works at her Nana’s magical bookshop. And she helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  Together they investigate the demon and rekindle their feelings towards each other.

This comforting graphic novel is cute and light-hearted to read. The illustrations of the magical bookshop are adorable.

12. Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

Growing up I was a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series. And it’s still one of my all time favourites.

 The concept is that the Greek Gods are real. And they occasionally fall in love with mortals. They have children who become demigods.

We follow Percy Jackson. He is having trouble focusing on his schoolwork. When one day his maths teacher turns into a monster.

And so mum decides it’s time to tell him the truth. His father is a Greek God. And she sends him to camp Halfblood – a summer camp for demigods.

13. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein

A classic fantasy standalone with an engaging storyline. Full of magic, dragons and a high-stakes quest.

We follow Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit living in The Shire. One day he meets Gandalf and goes on an adventure.

The Hobbit is a charming adventure story. Also, the imagery in the hobbit – particularly around food is lovely. I want to be able to eat seven meals a day much like a hobbit.

This is easier to read than Lord of the Rings. And a great entry-point for beginners. Plus, the enchanting magic makes this adventure book stand out amongst others.

14. Spellhacker by M.K. England

A high-stakes magical heist ina world where magic is a commodity. Plus, it features a criminal mastermind and romance.

Set in a world where magic ( known as maz) was once freely available. But an earthquake unleashed a deadly plague. And now maz is a tightly controlled and expensive commodity.

We follow Diz who runs an illegal maz siphoning business with her three best friends. They get offered one last massive heist that could change everything.

This well-written book opened with a bang and was fast-paced throughout. The magic was well-developed and the worldbuilding was excellent. A cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows.

15. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

A fast-paced, action-packed plot combined with magical West African-inspired world-building. The book opens in a world where magic has disappeared.

There used to be magic in Orïsha. Zélie remembers how powerful her reaper mother was. But one-night magic disappears and Zelie is left without hope.

She now has to bring back the magic with the help of a runaway princess. Orïsha is full of danger everywhere. But Zeéie’s greatest danger is herself.

The concept of a quest to bring back magic is excellent. The characters are well-developed. Plus, this powerful fantasy explores darker themes such as racially charged violence.

16. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

An incredible ya fantasy about a badass army of magical girls. This is not for everyone and has lots of violence. Please check the trigger warnings first.

We follow Deka. She lives in a village where all the girls undergo a blood ceremony. If their blood runs gold – they are impure.

Deka has lived in fear of this ceremony. And on the day – her blood runs gold. And Deka must face consequences worse than death.

But then a mysterious woman comes to her rescue. And offers her the chance to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her.

17. Ruinsong by Julia Ember

A dysoptian fantasy with Phantom of the Opera vibes. The magic system revolves around singing making it different to any other fantasy I’ve read.

In this world, singers have magic powers when they sing certain songs. And they can heal, cause pain and heal people.

Cadence is a strong mage. Born in poverty in an orphanage, she rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others.  But when she is reunited with her childhood friend she must make a choice. Does she take a stand or follow the queen.

Highly recommend for fans of books with magic.

18. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Dark academia, a magical secret society and a queer romance. Plus, the magic is well-developed throughout.

We follow Robin Blyth. Due to an administrative error, he is named liaison to a secret magical society. So, he is forced to  contend with magic’s dangers and a deadly curse while he searches for his missing predecessor.

To do this, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey. Edwin Courcey is his prickly magical society counterpart but he clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

I love the secret society of magicians. And the Edwardian setting and mlm romance sets it apart from other books including secret magical societies.

19. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

An incredible high fantasy with a magic system based around tarot cards. It has a gothic atmosphere and a romance sub-plot.

In Blunder all magic comes at a price. We follow Elspeth. She touches a magical providence card and is possessed by the Nightmare.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. 

This is such an atmospheric read. Spooky, nightmarish and gothic. The magic system is unique compared to other fantasy books and made for such interesting reading.

20. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A popular fantasy with a magic system linked to dragons. Characters earn magic powers when they bond with a dragon.

We follow Violet Sorrengail. She was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant and live a quiet life among books. But the commanding general – her mother – orders Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become elite dragon riders.

But Violet is smaller than everyone else, with a brittle body. And with fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. 

Trials, dragons and romance. Fans of A Court of Thorns and Romance will adore this high-stakes fantasy book.

21. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

A popular fantasy novel about a group of magicians competing to enter a powerful secret society.

The Atlas Six is about a secret society known as The Alexandrian Society. Their members look after lost knowledge. And they secure a life of awe-inspiring wealth, power and prestige. 

Each decade, the six most uniquely talented magicians are selected for initiation. We follow six characters competing for entry into the society.

This is definitely for adults and contains spice. Full of academic references, this is ideal for dark academia fans.

22. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

A popular urban fantasy series following a professional crime-solving wizard.

It features magic and fantastical elements in an urban setting. Likewise, it features secret magical elements existing in a city.

Harry Dresden is an openly practising professional wizard. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. 

The book opens with several mysteries to be solved and keeps you hooked throughout.  The fast paced plot and short length, make it a fairly quick read. 

23. Babel by R.F. Kuang

This is perfect for fans of The Atlas Six. It blends dark academia worldbuilding with magic and discussions of race.

We follow Robin Swift. Orphaned by cholera, The mysterious Professor Lovell brings him to London.

He trains for years to prepare for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation.  Known as Babel.

Babel is the world’s centre for translation and magic.

If you’re after dark academia books with magic, then you NEED to read this.

24. Jonathon Strange & Mr Norell by Susanna Clarke

Magic, dark academia and a city setting.

Set in England in 1806. England is beleaguered by the long war with Napoleon, and centuries have passed since practical magicians faded into the nation’s past. Except one remains. The reclusive Mr Norell. 

And Nr Norell’s displays of magic thrill the country. 

But the cautious Norell is challenged by another magician. The brilliant novel Jonathon Strange.Strange the the very opposite of Norrel. And a dangerous battle starts between them.

25. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The magicians is an excellent dark academia fantasy set in a magical school. This is perfect for fans of The Atlas Six.

Quentin is brilliant but also miserable. He’s a high school senior obsessed with a series of fantasy novels he read as a child, set in a magical land called Fillory. 

Imagine his surprise when he finds himself unexpectedly admitted to a very secret, very exclusive college of magic in upstate New York.  There, he receives an education in modern sorcery.

26. Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Air Awakens is a dark academia-style fantasy. Mysterious societies, magic and romancnce.

We follow Vhalla, a library apprentice.  She lives in The Solaris Empire. They’re one conquest away from uniting the continent.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers  – a mysterious magic society. She’s been happy in her quiet world of books (same). But she unknowingly saves the life of a powerful sorcerer and the crown prince.

Vhalla discovers  a powerful elemental magic lurking within her. A magic that could shift the tides of war. Now she must decide her future, embrace sorcery and leave the life she’s known. Or remain as she’s always been.

27. The House Witch by Delemhach

Searching for cozy fantasy books about magic? Then you’ll love The House Witch. We follow a witch able to cook incredible meals.

The House Witch is set in a medieval world where witches can command a different form of elemental magic – fire, air, water or earth.  We follow Finlay who is a mutant – he’s a House Witch. And he becomes Royal Cook in a castle. And his magic means he can cook the most incredible meals. 

This is the most perfect cosy read.

It’s filled with beautiful food imagery, courtly intrigue and magical hijinks. Likewise,  it features an adorable kitten companion.

28. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

A whimsical fantasy with a friendly witch and beautiful forest imagery.

Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope to keep her from terrorizing the town.

But the witch Xan is kind. She rescues the abandoned children. And delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

The woodland imagery and magical mystery make this an engaging read. This is relatively low stakes and makes an excellent cozy fantasy to read in Autumn.

29. The Wildseed Witch by Marti Dumas

A ya fantasy about a girl discovering she’s a witch. Full of Black Girl magic, New Orleans worldbuilding and coming of age themes.

We follow Hasani. She plans on using her summer holidays to grow her YouTube following. But then, an emotional outburst sparks magical ability in her. So Hasani goes to Les Belles Demoiselles. A finishing school for talented young ladies with magical powers.

This is a fairly low-stakes fantasy but it also tackles the dangers of social media. The stunning New Orleans worldbuilding sets this apart from other books about magical schools.

30. Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

A cozy fantasy about a magical inn. it features several characters with magical powers and an engaging mystery.

We follow thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay. She’s never been normal.  Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.

With Halloweentown vibes and a cozy Inn, this is the perfect comforting read for spooky season.

After fantasy books with magic? You’ll love this cozy fantasy.

Those were my picks for the fantasy books about magic

Whether you’re looking for  ya fantasy or urban fantasy books about magic – I hope you found a book to read.

What fantasy books about magic would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

This post was all about fantasy books about magic

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